Pulling Right After Grille Guard Install?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2019
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Pulling Right After Grille Guard Install?
I installed a Westin Sportsman with winch tray and I noticed the truck is pulling to the right somewhat. I can't be totally sure the issue wasn't already there and I'm just now noticing it, though. Truck feels fine on the highway other than the slight pulling - is it just as simple as getting an alignment or should I look into replacing the springs too? It's a 2018 6.2 250 XL with 4WD. I believe the guard by itself weighs about 130lbs and the winch weighs about 90. So together that's only 220lbs, say 250 for good measure.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2017
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I have the HDX with winch and haven’t noticed anything different, been on there for about a year. My Truck came with snow plow package though so it has the higher spring rate, but even if you don’t that shouldn’t cause it to pull left or right. I’d just check alignment, it may have been off and that extra little weight has made it more noticeable possibly. If you don’t have snow plow package I’d look at getting those springs maybe, I don’t think it’s a big deal though.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
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Alignment was probably off a bit to start with and you noticed it after the guard install because you were looking for any changes, I do this all the time.
I put a ranch hand grill guard on my last two f250s and didn't have any changes in either. Current truck has the snow plow springs and the old one just had the 1 up springs that the camper package includes.
ETA. Most vehicles will pull to the right a bit due to the crown on the road but it shouldn't vere towards the ditch right away.
I don't know if I'd get heavier springs. If you feel the truck sags more in the front or feels a little squishy then upgrade the springs. Do you have the camper package or snow plow prep?
I put a ranch hand grill guard on my last two f250s and didn't have any changes in either. Current truck has the snow plow springs and the old one just had the 1 up springs that the camper package includes.
ETA. Most vehicles will pull to the right a bit due to the crown on the road but it shouldn't vere towards the ditch right away.
I don't know if I'd get heavier springs. If you feel the truck sags more in the front or feels a little squishy then upgrade the springs. Do you have the camper package or snow plow prep?
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Cross-Country
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Thanks guys. Mine is just stock. I keep meaning to check the spring code but have forgotten. It definitely has the "funny car stance". Is the snow plow prep package just heavier springs and that's it?
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2019
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From what I have been told by different people over the years from different makes, if you hold the wheel straight it should ever so slightly pull to the right. They do this because if the driver falls asleep at the wheel, the vehicle won't drift off into incoming traffic. I have never really looked into it much more and it used to bother me but I got over it when I didn't notice any tire wear that wasn't as a result of my lead foot.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2018
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I installed a Westin Sportsman with winch tray and I noticed the truck is pulling to the right somewhat. I can't be totally sure the issue wasn't already there and I'm just now noticing it, though. Truck feels fine on the highway other than the slight pulling - is it just as simple as getting an alignment or should I look into replacing the springs too? It's a 2018 6.2 250 XL with 4WD. I believe the guard by itself weighs about 130lbs and the winch weighs about 90. So together that's only 220lbs, say 250 for good measure.
This really didn't upset me as I honestly have never had a good truck alignment done at the dealer. I use a local shop that focuses on trucks and always does a good job.
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Cargo Master
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Snow plow prep comes with heavier springs and an extra heavy duty alternator.
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Cross-Country
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Thanks everyone! I am not interested in having the dealer work on the truck anyway. The only way it would go to the dealer is if it needed major work. All the minor stuff I will just do myself.
The tire pressure is definitely correct. Had tires rotated and no change. Even had new tires put on (just to upgrade, not to fix this) and it's still doing it. So that just leaves the alignment. I think there's a shop near me that still does it the old fashioned way. Best alignment I ever had was from a shop that used a tape measure and a laser pointer.
@fordman19762003 - would you happen to know what weight springs that would be? Every truck I've seen with the snow plow package looks like it's been lifted in the front. Definitely would love to have more ground clearance. I've already removed the silly plastic skirt on the bumper. Still bottomed out on a dip just a few days ago.
The tire pressure is definitely correct. Had tires rotated and no change. Even had new tires put on (just to upgrade, not to fix this) and it's still doing it. So that just leaves the alignment. I think there's a shop near me that still does it the old fashioned way. Best alignment I ever had was from a shop that used a tape measure and a laser pointer.
@fordman19762003 - would you happen to know what weight springs that would be? Every truck I've seen with the snow plow package looks like it's been lifted in the front. Definitely would love to have more ground clearance. I've already removed the silly plastic skirt on the bumper. Still bottomed out on a dip just a few days ago.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
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Thanks everyone! I am not interested in having the dealer work on the truck anyway. The only way it would go to the dealer is if it needed major work. All the minor stuff I will just do myself.
The tire pressure is definitely correct. Had tires rotated and no change. Even had new tires put on (just to upgrade, not to fix this) and it's still doing it. So that just leaves the alignment. I think there's a shop near me that still does it the old fashioned way. Best alignment I ever had was from a shop that used a tape measure and a laser pointer.
@fordman19762003 - would you happen to know what weight springs that would be? Every truck I've seen with the snow plow package looks like it's been lifted in the front. Definitely would love to have more ground clearance. I've already removed the silly plastic skirt on the bumper. Still bottomed out on a dip just a few days ago.
The tire pressure is definitely correct. Had tires rotated and no change. Even had new tires put on (just to upgrade, not to fix this) and it's still doing it. So that just leaves the alignment. I think there's a shop near me that still does it the old fashioned way. Best alignment I ever had was from a shop that used a tape measure and a laser pointer.
@fordman19762003 - would you happen to know what weight springs that would be? Every truck I've seen with the snow plow package looks like it's been lifted in the front. Definitely would love to have more ground clearance. I've already removed the silly plastic skirt on the bumper. Still bottomed out on a dip just a few days ago.
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